Aston Villa have reportedly convinced Pau Torres about a move to the club, although the situation could yet have its complications.
According to Jorge Picon and Nacho Sanchis, Aston Villa are confident about signing Pau Torres in this window. The report claimed Unai Emery’s side have convinced the 26-year-old La Liga star to join them rather than wait for other suitors, but there’s still no news on a fee agreement.
For weeks, speculation has been rife about Aston Villa’s chase of Pau Torres. Unai Emery identified the 26-year-old La Liga star as a key target ahead of the window as they embark on a new season. The Premier League side will also play Europa Conference League football, which would require a squad of a higher standard.
Emery also hopes to break into the top six of the Premier League next season and has the club’s backing to improve his squad. They have already signed Youri Tielemans from Leicester City and have sights on another midfielder, including Tyler Adams and Manu Kone.
Emery also wants a central defender on priority and has set sights on Pau Torres. The duo know each other well from their time together at Villarreal, who continue to seek a high fee for the centre-back. There were reports that Aston Villa are prepared to pay around €65 million, but there are still several complications in matching the asking price.
Villa are cautious about FFP and would like to remain in line with the regulators. As per the report, they do not have a liquidity problem but want to keep the rules in mind before spending big. Yet, Emery wants the club to make a final offer before anything and seal the deal.
As per the report, Aston Villa have convinced Torres to join them. The 26-year-old La Liga star was open to joining the Premier League side earlier as well, but they were not his first choice. The Spaniard wanted to explore other projects and had hoped for a Champions League side to come in for his signature.
Bayern Munich have Torres on their list to replace PSG-bound Lucas Hernandez. However, Kim Min-jae is their preferred option for that position, and owing to the South Korean’s release clause, he could arrive cheaper than the 26-year-old La Liga star.
Hence, Aston Villa would represent a solid alternative to Torres in the quest to upgrade his career. A reunion with Emery would entice the centre-back, but things could still change if a European giant comes into the equation.
